Shropshire Star

Tonks keen to keep the Revolution going

Coach Stephen Tonks has urged Shropshire Revolution to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground following an unblemished start to the 2017 season.

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The in-form side made club history last weekend after disposing of Lincolnshire Bombers 41-14, going 6-0 for the first time in their 11-year existence.

The club are on course to lift the NFC 2 South title and secure an end-of-season play-off spot with all-important home advantage also likely to be in their favour.

It marks a staggering turnaround of fortunes for Revolution, who just two years ago endured a miserable campaign where they lost all 10 outings. There were signs of improvement towards the end of last season and now Revolution are in full flow.

Following the 41-14 Oakengates Athletics Stadium success, Revolution have a welcome break before a couple of crunch clashes that are set to determine their fate this term.

Those games also pit Shropshire against their closest geographical rivals, with a short trip to Staffordshire Surge on July 2 followed by the visit of Chester Romans on July 16.

While the squad enjoy a 17-day break before their next outing, coach Tonks is keen to ensure the players do not get carried away despite their unbeaten status.

Tonks said: “We have to keep our feet planted firmly on the ground.

“While it’s great to be undefeated we now have a target on our backs as every team will be out to beat us.

“Both Staffordshire and Chester will be stern tests for our boys and they are going to have to rise to the occasion if they want to come out the other side 8-0 and remain undefeated.

“I firmly believe we will do it, but it’s not going to be a walkover that’s for sure.”

Revolution’s latest success against long-term rivals Lincolnshire, was that bit sweeter as it helped showcase the depth of Revolution’s squad.

They faced a number of availability problems and, with their visitors boasting a wealth of options, Shropshire eased to victory thanks in part to a three-touchdown haul from Mark Phillips.

Running backs Andrew Charman and Daniel Codling also added scores as Revolution put the result to bed by half-time.

The Revolution defence were again on top form forcing fumbles and scoring touchdowns of their own, and even though the Bombers put two scores on the board it wasn’t enough to threaten the division leaders.

The outcome pleased defensive co-ordinator Tom Altinok, who added: “We had a number of key players missing but the bonus of having a large squad is being able to rely on the depth you have on the bench.

“There were a number of fringe players who all had significant game time and each made a contribution to the unit – I can’t ask for more than that.”

They regroup before their away clash with the Surge, who beat Halton Spartans 20-14 on Sunday.